US Embassy in Georgia says tourist visas unaffected by immigration visa suspension

The US Embassy in Georgia on Thursday issued a clarification regarding restrictions on immigrant visas, stating that the pause does not apply to tourist visas.

According to the Embassy, President Trump has clearly stated that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and must not become a financial burden on US taxpayers.

Citing information published on the US Department of State’s website, the Embassy noted that the Department was conducting a comprehensive review of all policies, regulations, and guidance to ensure that immigrants from high-risk countries did not rely on public assistance in the United States or become a public charge.

Starting January 21, 2026, the US Department of State will temporarily pause the issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Myanmar, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

The US Embassy further published a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) with corresponding answers regarding the pause on immigrant visas.

What will happen to my immigrant visa interview appointment?

Immigrant visa applicants from the affected countries may still submit applications and attend their scheduled interviews. The Department of State will continue to schedule interviews; however, immigrant visas will not be issued to these applicants during the pause period.

Are there any exceptions?

The pause does not apply to individuals with dual citizenship who apply using a valid passport from a country not included in the list.

Will this pause affect my currently valid visa?

No. No immigrant visas have been canceled under this directive. For questions related to entry into the United States, applicants should contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Does this pause apply to tourist visas?

No. The pause applies only to immigrant visa applicants. Tourist visas are non-immigrant visas.